Computer workstation

ABSTRACT

A computer workstation has a substantially horizontal work surface, a support member positioned at an angle from a plane defined by the horizontal work surface, a wire management tray adjacent a rear edge of the support member, and a restraining member for securing at least one computer component to the support member.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to desks and tables and in particular todesks and tables for use with a computer equipment. Specifically, theinvention relates to a computer workstation which is adapted to holdcomponents of a computer at a lowered angled position so that theoperator of the computer can see over the top of the computercomponents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The use of computers in offices and schools has provided userswith many types of office and school furniture. This furniture isdesigned to accommodate desk top computers and wires for the computers.Many of these types of furniture store key boards, monitors, CPU unitsand the like. However, the computer monitor itself is often positionedat the desk top level thereby blocking the user's view of what may behappening behind the monitor.

[0003] If students cannot see the teacher around the computer monitor orif the teacher cannot see the students and what they are doing, thereare potential learning or behavior problems. The students may lose focusor the teacher may not be able to get an instant feedback by watchingthe students' faces as to whether they are comprehending the lesson oreven paying attention. Further, students, especially those youngerstudents have difficulty remaining at the monitor for long periods oftime without neck strain since their heads are often tilted in upwardposition rather than a more normal forward or slightly downwardposition.

[0004] An object of the present invention is provided an improvedcomputer workstation that includes a computer support surface angledbelow a work surface.

[0005] It is another object of the present invention to provide acomputer workstation that is relatively simple and inexpensive tomanufacture and to assemble.

[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide acomputer workstation that provides sufficient computer component storagecapabilities.

[0007] It is still a further object of the present invention to providea computer workstation that alleviates the tangled mess of wires andleads from one computer component to the next.

[0008] It is the further object of the present invention to provide acomputer workstation which provides the user with ample desk top workspace while providing easy access to a computer key board terminal andeasy viewing of a computer monitor.

[0009] Other objects and advantages over the prior art will becomeapparent those skilled in the art upon the reading of the detaileddescription together with the drawings as described as follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention relates to a computer workstation whichprovides one surface at the correct height for both keyboard and mousewhich minimizes strain on the wrists. The workstation also includes anangled support member surface for supporting a computer monitor. Theangled surface of the computer monitor support member surface reducesneck strain in a computer user since the table conforms to desiredergonomic guidelines. The workstation is especially useful for peoplewith bifocals since it allows moving from one viewing line to adifferent viewing line without strain on the eyes.

[0011] The workstation of the present invention allows a CPU to stay onthe desk top for easy access and quick repair. Alternatively, the CPUcan be mounted underneath the horizontal work surface.

[0012] The workstation provides a wire management tray which is easy andflexible to use and allows ready access to the wires.

[0013] The present invention is especially useful as large monitors arecontinuing to be produced by the computer industry. Typically, the largemonitors block the line of sight between the students and an instructor.By positioning the monitor on the angled support member, the student isable to readily view the monitor yet have sufficient work area toperform work and to have a keyboard within easy reach. The workstationof the present invention eliminates the need for any keyboard trayswhich have the tendency to break.

[0014] Increasingly large monitors block the line of sight between thestudent and instructor. The computer workstation of the presentinvention solves this problem by lowering the profile of the technologynearly 6″ from a standard computer desk. Students no longer have tocrane their necks to see the teacher. Hearing impaired students see theinstructor for lip reading. Further, the student's view of slides,overhead projections and video projectors is dramatically enhanced. Thecomputer workstation of the present invention promotes increasedcommunication and teacher control which are essential elements in thelearning process.

[0015] The computer workstation of the present invention positions themonitor away from the operator which reduces the amount of exposure toelectro-magnetic radiation given off by the monitor. In contrast, mostlarge monitors on standard desks place the operator closer than the 20″minimum distance required for safety.

[0016] The angle of universal tray and the resulting position of themonitor on the computer workstation of the present invention aredesigned to mimic the angle at which one would read a book or newspaper.Those using the computer workstation find this angle to be a verycomfortable position for reading. The angle of the universal tray andmonitor reduces neck strain from the monitor being too high. This is aspecial advantage for anyone with bifocals.

[0017] The computer workstation of the present invention has metalaccessory support inserts of various widths and heights which allow forcustomization of computer peripherals. Peripherals that can beaccommodated with the computer workstation of the present inventioninclude CPU's VCR's, printers and scanners. Since the tray is anuninterrupted design, the support inserts can be placed in any position.Therefore, CPU's of different types can be accommodated and multiplemonitors can be placed in any position. In contrast, standard desks usemonitor cutouts for the most part, which do not allow for the monitorposition to be changed. Other standard desks may accommodate multiplemonitors but do not have an insert system for peripherals.

[0018] Also, a Velcro®-type attachment system of the computerworkstation prevents the insert from becoming instable. The attachmentsystem is used in combination with adjustable straps for securing itemsto the computer workstation which allows the end user to have a verystable, yet versatile, desk configuration.

[0019] As an added feature, the computer workstation of the presentinvention has a metal construction and a powder coated frame. Theworkstation is designed to be shipped unassembled in relatively smallcontainers and is made to easily be assembled on site. The metalconstruction lengthen the life of the workstation and reduces shippingand assembly costs. Other computer desks in this market rely largely onwood laminate materials that are less durable than metal.

[0020] The computer workstation of the present invention has an improvedwire management system. The wiring tray is a structural part of theworkstation and allows for very simple and quick wire management. Theworkstation's system of allowing one desk to feed wires to the next isespecially designed for the workstation to meet the needs ofinstructional labs.

[0021] Most standard computer desks are too high to accommodate thekeyboard and mouse without a separate keyboard tray. The computerworkstation of the present invention is designed with a lower worksurface to accommodate both the keyboard and the mouse. The lower worksurface reduces the strain on the user's shoulder muscles and providesfor a wider and deeper area for keyboard adjustment and wrist supportthan does a keyboard tray.

[0022] Large 21″ monitors can be accommodated on the computerworkstation of the present invention due to the open design in the backof the desk. An integrated strap system securely holds the monitor onthe desk and prevents the monitor from being unstable. Other desks inthis field often will not accommodate such a large monitor or multiplemonitors.

[0023] The universal tray and inserts of the computer workstation use anon-slip surface to prevent monitors and peripherals from moving orslipping on the workstation.

[0024] The computer workstation of the present invention is also able tobe assembled with longer legs which allows an instructor to stay in astanding position and yet to be able to be seen and heard by thestudents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a computer workstation ofthe present invention.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a computer workstation of thepresent invention.

[0027]FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing accessory supportinserts attached to the workstation.

[0028]FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view showing installation of theaccessory inserts on the computer workstation.

[0029]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view showing a computer monitor beingattached to the workstation.

[0030]FIG. 6 is a side elevational view showing a computer monitor beingattached to a workstation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] A computer workstation 10 is generally shown in FIG. 1. Thecomputer workstation includes front opposing legs 12 and 14 having afirst predetermined height. The workstation also includes first andsecond rear legs 16 and 18. The rear legs 16 and 18 generally have aheight which is less than the front legs 12 and 14. The computerworkstation 10 includes a work top surface 20 which has a first end 22operatively mounted to an upper end 24 of the first front leg 12 and hasa second end 26 which is operatively mounted to a first end 28 of thesecond front leg 14. The work top surface 20 is operatively mounted tothe upper end 24 of the first front leg 12 by an attachment plate 30.Similarly, the second end 26 of the work top surface is operativelyattached to the upper end 28 of the second front leg 14 by a similarattachment plate 32.

[0032] The computer workstation 10 can have legs having a desired heightwhich allow the end user to use while sitting, as shown in the Figures,or alternatively can have longer legs which allow the end user to usewhile standing. Both types of legs are within the contemplated scope ofthe present invention. It is also within the contemplated scope of thepresent invention that the computer workstation can be supported by asingle leg, or pedestal, having any desired height.

[0033] The first front leg 12 is operatively connected to the first rearleg 16 by an angled support 40, as seen in FIG. 2. The angled brace 40is connected at a first end 42 adjacent the upper end 24 of the leg 12and is connected at a second end 48 to an upper end 44 of the first rearleg 16. Similarly, the second front leg 14 is operatively attached tothe second rear leg 18 by an angled support 50 which is operativelyconnected at its first end 52 to the upper end 28 of the leg 14 and isoperatively connected at a second end 58 to an upper end 54 of the rearleg 18.

[0034] A monitor support member 70 extends between the first angledsupport 40 and the second angled support 50. The monitor support member70 is secured to the angled supports 40 and 50 such that the monitorsupport member 70 is parallel to the supports 40 and 50. In preferredembodiments, the monitor support member 70 slopes rearwardly at about12° to about 18°, and preferably about 15° angle as defined from a planedefined by the surface of the desk top 20. The monitor support member 70has a first edge 71 which is preferably about the six inches below thedesk top surface 20. If desired, as shown in FIG. 2, the monitor supportmember 70 can have raised edges 72, 74 and 76. A top surface 77 of themonitor support member 70 can have a non-skid matte surface to prevent amonitor from sliding or moving.

[0035] The monitor support member 70 defines at least one, andpreferably a plurality of, spaced apart openings 80 for receiving wiresfrom the computer monitors and other computer components.

[0036] A wire management tray 90 extends from the first rear leg 16 tothe second rear leg 18. The wire management tray 90 is mounted in asubstantially perpendicular and spaced apart relationship to the secondedge 77 of the monitor support member 70. The wire management tray 90 isconnected at a first end 92 to the first rear leg 16 and is connected ata second end 94 to the second rear leg 18. The wire management tray 90defines an extending portion 98 which is adapted to receive wires, powerstrips and connectors and the like. The extending portion 98 can have agenerally square- or U-shape to allow the wires or power strip to besecurely held in position. The wires extending from the computers (notshown) extend through the openings 80 in the monitor support member 70and are stored in the wire management tray extending portion 98.

[0037] The computer station can include opposing panels 100 which have atrapezoidal shape. The panels 100 are mounted on the opposing first andrear legs, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The panels 100 each have a frontor first end 102 which is mounted to the front legs 12 and 14,respectively, and each have an opposing or rear or second end 104 whichis mounted to the first rear legs 16 and 18, respectively. The panel 100can define at least one opening 110 for receiving wires and the likewhich wires can be then extended beyond the workstation to a main powersupport. It is to be understood that the opposing panel generally hasthe same configuration as the panel 100.

[0038] In various work and school environments, it is desired to haveaccessories in addition to the computer (CPU unit, keyboard and monitor)within reach of the computer user. FIG. 3 shows the workstation 10having a first accessory shelf or support insert 120 positioned on themonitor support 70.

[0039] It is to be understood that the workstation of the presentinvention can have multiple shelves, or support inserts, that havevarying heights and/or widths to accommodate different sizes of thecomputer accessories. The accessory support insert 120 defines a top orgenerally planar surface 122 which can be substantially planar with thetop surface of the work surface 20. The accessory support insert 120 hasa front support member 124 which has a first height and a second or rearsupport member 126 which has a second height. As shown in FIG. 3, therear support member 126 has a greater height than the front supportmember 124 such that the surface 122 is held in a planar relationshipwith the top of the surface 20.

[0040] The first support member 124 of the accessory support insert 120can define a longitudinally extending edge 125, as seen in FIG. 4. Therear support member 126 also can define a longitudinally extending edge127. A one side 150 of a first hook and loop material 150 can beoperatively attached to a lower surface of the longitudinally extendingedge 125. An opposing side 152 of the hook and loop material ispositioned adjacent the edge 71 of the monitor support member 70.Similarly, one side 154 of a second hook and loop material can beoperatively connected to the longitudinally extending edge 127. Anopposing side 156 of the second hook and loop material is positionedadjacent the edge 76 of the monitor support member 70. The accessorysupport insert 120 thus removably attachable to the monitor supportmember 70.

[0041] A second accessory support insert 140 is also shown in FIG. 3which has a top or planar surface 142 and which is positioned at anangle with respect to the plane defined by the work surface 20. Thesupport insert 140 has a first edge 144 which defines an angled member145. The second accessory support insert 140 has an opposed or secondsupport 146 which can also have an angled support 147. The accessorysupport insert 140 is secured to the monitor surface member 70 in amanner as described above; that is longitudinally extending strips 160and 162 of a hoop and loop material extend along an edge defined by thefirst edge 144 and while hoop and loop materials 164 and 166 extendalong the edge 147 of the rear support 146.

[0042] A monitor 186 is secured to the monitor support member 70 by arestraining member 180, such as a strap. As shown in FIG. 5, the strap180 can be engaged against the edge 71 of the monitor support 70 and canextend circumferentially around a monitor housing 182.

[0043] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the strap 180 cancircumferentially extend around a base 184 of the monitor 186. The strap180 can have a first end which defines a hook 190 for engaging the firstedge 71. A buckle 192 is positioned along the strap 180 such that aloose end 194 of the strap 180 is threaded through the buckle 192 and ispulled tight to have the strap 180 hold the monitor 186 in position. Themonitor 186 is held at an ergonomically desirable angle with respect tothe user of the computer.

[0044] It is to be understood that in various embodiments, furtheraccessories can be mounted from the lower surface of the desk top tohold CPU units and the like. The wires extending from the CPU units andother accessories also are held in the wire management tray to provide aneat appearance and ready access to the wires.

[0045] The support insert attachments can include trays with non-skidmatting to allow a variety of electronic equipment to be placed at orbelow the writing surface.

[0046] The computer workstation of the present invention can be made forsingle or multi-media desk positions.

[0047] It is intended that the foregoing detailed description beregarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that is it understoodthat the following claims including all the equivalents are intended todefine the subject of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A computer workstation comprising at least onesubstantially horizontal work surface; at least one support memberpositioned at an angle from a plane defined by the horizontal worksurface; at least one wire management tray adjacent a rear edge of thesupport member; and at least one restraining member for securing acomputer component to the support member.
 2. The workstation of claim 1,wherein at least one accessory support is positioned on the supportmember, the accessory support having a planar surface which issubstantially in a planar relationship with the plane defined by atleast one horizontal work surface.
 3. The workstation of claim 1,wherein at least one accessory support insert is removably mounted tothe support member, the accessory support insert having a top surfacesupported by a first leg having a first length, the first leg beingpositioned on a first edge of the support member that is adjacent thehorizontal work surface, the accessory support having a second leg in anopposed relationship to the first leg, the second leg having a lengthgreater than the first leg, the second leg being positioned on the rearedge of the support member that is in opposed relationship to the firstedge of the support member.
 4. The workstation of claim 1, wherein thesupport member defines at least one opening to receive wires from one ormore computer components.
 5. The workstation of claim 1, wherein a firstedge of the support member is about 6 inches below the horizontal worksurface.
 6. The workstation of claim 1, wherein the support member ispositioned at an angle from about 12° to about 18° from the planedefined by the horizontal work surface.
 7. The workstation of claim 1,wherein the support member has a non-skid matte surface.
 8. Theworkstation of claim 1, including at least one leg having a height thatallows an end user to sit while using the workstation.
 9. Theworkstation of claim 1, including at least one leg having a height thatallows an end user to stand while using the workstation.
 10. Theworkstation of claim 1, having multiple support members to accommodatemultiple computer peripherals.
 11. The workstation of claim 1, whereinthe workstation is capable of being assembled by an end user.
 12. Theworkstation of claim 1, wherein the workstation is at least partiallycomprised of a suitable metal material.